Houston Matters

On Friday's show: ERCOT has announced when its audit of data centers mandated by Gov. Greg Abbott will be complete. And a new report expresses concern over certain pathogens found in Texas waterways.

Also this hour: Houston Chronicle columnist Regina Lankenau explains how a relatively unique court in Harris County is helping renters avoid eviction.

Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And the 1877 tall ship Elissa recently returned to Galveston after visiting New York for America’s 250th birthday. We talk with a volunteer crew member and the director of the Galveston Historic Seaport about the voyage and the historic ship -- one of only three of its kind still actively sailing.

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On Thursday's show: We look at the forecast for hot weather as a heat advisory begins today with Justin Ballard, meteorologist with the Houston Chronicle. And, amid the Houston heat, Houston City Council has approved an ordinance requiring landlords to provide air conditioning for residents in rental units within the next 120 days.

Also this hour: Back in the 1880s, Mexican Americans in the southwest established escuelitas (Spanish for "little schools"). These are small, grass-roots educational spaces to teach community children about their history and culture. This summer, Magnolia Park Arts and Community launched its own pilot escuelita program. We learn more about it.

Then, we examine the role chaplains play at the Texas Medical Center and in other health care settings across Greater Houston.

And we preview Saturday night's performance of The Call of the Flute by the Indian performing arts group Samskriti at Miller outdoor Theatre.

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

Also this hour: When Texas became a state in 1845, it might have been given Congressional permission to divide itself into five states. We contemplate what such a move might have meant and would mean today for a metro area like Houston, which might've become a state unto itself.

And we visit a first-of-its-kind monument to Black pioneers in space called EarthRise.

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On Tuesday's show: We take a closer look at the redistricting saga in Galveston County.

Also this hour: We get a primer on MUDs, municipal utility districts, which handle water services and other utilities for unincorporated areas of Texas.

Then, we discuss how to deal with burnout in your job or career.

And people in Texas love their barbecue, but how did a lower-quality cut of meat like brisket become the main event? Houston Chronicle barbecue columnist J.C. Reid explains.

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On Monday's show: We discuss state school ratings, and questions about reading proficiency at some HISD schools with Houston Public Media’s education reporter Bianca Seward.

Also this hour: It’s hardly a new phenomenon, but it just keeps increasing -- people, industry, and venues moving from the core of the city outward into the suburbs, exurbs, and beyond. From housing developments, to company headquarters, to new arenas, we explore what this continuing shift means as Greater Houston continues to transform.

Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about pet care. You can submit yours now to [email protected].

And, as the WNBA was suddenly thrust into a challenging spotlight last week over whether transgender women should be allowed to play in the league, we consider how professional sports leagues can navigate divisive issues in the culture that rile up fans and players alike.

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On Friday's show: A representative from Pride Houston 365 will join us to preview Saturday’s rescheduled Pride Houston parade.

Also this hour: As a recent tragic incident of domestic violence reinforced here in Houston, while conversation about abuse often encourages people to “watch out for the signs,” it’s not always clear who is ultimately responsible for speaking up when those signs begin to show -- or even how to do it. We discuss that with Leticia Manzano the Houston Area Women's Center.

Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. 

And we talk with comedian Ron Funches, who just brought his standup to Houston last weekend.

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On Thursday's show: Marijuana enforcement and no-knock warrants will be on the ballot for Houston voters in November. And airport workers are getting a raise. Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh has been following those developments and breaks them down for us.

Also this hour: As Johnson Space Center continues preparations for the next Artemis mission and America's return to the moon, it reminds us that NASA's long-term vision includes using the moon as a stepping-stone for future missions to Mars. But there is a lot to consider about what human beings spending extended time on the moon or Mars will mean. We revisit a February conversation with Rice University biology professor Scott Solomon, author of Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds.

Then, we consider how alcohol consumption habits are changing and what that might mean for the health of younger Houstonians.

And we learn about a documentary in production about soccer in Houston.

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

Also this hour: We preview a special screening on Aug. 27 at the River Oaks Theatre of the classic film Casablanca, with the man presenting it, longtime Houston-area film critic Joe Leydon.

And we learn about the world premiere of a blend of original music, dance, and electronics from NobleMotion Dance called CHANT.

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On Tuesday's show: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling on federal health officials to scale back vaccine recommendations and to split the MMR vaccine into individual shots for measles, mumps, and rubella. We get reaction from a local epidemiologist. And jalapeños are being recalled in 27 states, including Texas, after they were linked to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella. This comes after recalls of lettuce tied to outbreaks of Cyclospora. We get the latest on both outbreaks and learn more about the illnesses caused by them.

Also this hour: We keep hearing what the latest polling has to tell us about the possible outcome of the Texas race for U.S. Senate. But how much can you take from polls? We revisit a conversation with Anthony Salvanto, the executive director of elections and surveys for CBS News, about how much to trust them and how to separate the useful ones from the less serious. He's the author of a book on that subject called Where Did You Get This Number?

Then, we learn how extreme heat affects our electronic devices and how that might be a growing problem as the climate warms.

And we talk over some of interesting places to explore in Greater Houston off the beaten path.

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On Monday's show: Students at HISD go back to class today, with many students at other districts around Greater Houston beginning a new school year this week as well. We discuss the first day of school and other education developments with Houston Public Media’s Bianca Seward.

Also this hour: HISD made significant changes to how it will handle special education in the new school year. And they weren’t exactly popular moves. We take a closer look at how the changes might affect parents and students.

Then, we visit local gardener Erandi Treviño of Verandi Secret Garden to learn how to transition your yard to native plants to save water, reduce upkeep, and help local wildlife.

And Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle talks about the Texans’ offseason, personnel changes, training camp, and preparation for preseason play, which begins Aug. 13 against the Chargers.

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