Houston Matters

On Tuesday's show: While the bulk of rain in today’s forecast may land south of us, there are several other storm systems developing in the Atlantic. Could any of them bring some much-needed rain here?

Also this hour: We learn more about an unofficial "one mile rule" that seems to keep some residents from even getting a hearing to challenge a company polluting in the neighborhood. Dylan Baddour of Inside Climate News joins us to explain.

Then, is "revenge spending" grinding to a halt? That's the phenomenon of people spending more on recreation in the past couple of years doing things they were unable to during the pandemic.

And we discuss the popularity of vintage toy collecting with Juan Salazar, owner of Super Happy Incredible Toys, a vintage toy store in The Heights.

On Monday's show: We get an update on some recent developments at HISD.

And Texas A&M University has announced it’s establishing a space institute next door to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Clear Lake. We learn what that entails.

Also this hour: A Texas company is recruiting social media influencers to promote political agendas, but how much sway do they actually have?

Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers your pet care questions.

And we get an update on sports from Jeff Balke.

On Friday's show: The suspect in the shooting of a Harris County sheriff’s deputy is in custody this morning following a standoff with authorities Thursday, during which three more officers were wounded – none seriously. The suspect has multiple felony convictions, was out on bond while facing other charges, and skipped his trial date. We ask former Harris County Sheriff and current County Commissioner Adrian Garcia if cases like this leave him contemplating whether further changes are necessary in county bail procedures.

Also this hour: Houston native Lyle Lovett talks about his music ahead of his concert Saturday at the Hobby Center.

Then, we hear some additional highlights from Eddie Robinson’s conversation with Rice University Pres. Reginald DesRoches from this weekend’s edition of I See U.

And our non-experts break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

On Thursday's show: After two mistrials, a jury has found AJ Armstrong guilty of killing his parents. Separately, Armstrong is suing HPD, alleging police planted evidence to force a false conviction. Houston Public Media’s Rebecca Noel and Lucio Vasquez bring us the latest on the Armstrong saga.

Also this hour: Houston Chronicle columnist Chris Tomlinson examines allegations that natural gas pipeline operators and traders triggered the February 2021 blackouts while trying to manipulate prices.

Then, we learn how the drought is affecting trees from Barry Ward of the nonprofit Trees for Houston.

And we hear some highlights from Eddie Robinson's conversation with Rice University Pres. Reginald DesRoches from this weekend's edition of I See U.

On Wednesday's show: Could the racketeering charges against former Pres. Donald Trump not just affect next year’s presidential race but also this year’s local Houston elections? We contemplate that and discuss other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: News 88.7’s politics and government reporter Andrew Schneider joins us with a mid-year update on stories he’s been working on in 2023.

And we learn about the history and significance of Tejano corridos, ballads of the Texas-Mexico border. They're the subject of an episode of a new series called Ritual from PBS Digital Studios.

On Tuesday's show: We’re in another week of excessive heat, but we might finally, truly have some relief in sight...maybe. Eric Berger of Space City Weather discusses this potential meteorological light at the end of the tunnel and whether we might get some rain anytime soon.

Also this hour: A new study from the University of Houston finds older people use online patient portals more than younger ones but often have a harder time navigating them. Just how effective are they for patients and doctors?

Then, we reflect on the lessons learned from what some see as Houston's "forgotten disaster," Hurricane Alicia, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico 40 years ago today. We revisit an episode about the storm from Houston Public Media's 2018 podcast series Hurricane Season.

And dancer and choreographer Keeley Dunham talks about her project Telephone 2.0, where she has musicians and visual artists respond to dance in their own respective media. She also has an event Aug. 16 where she asks members of the public to create their own works.

On Monday's show: With two weeks before the start of the school year, News 88.7's Dominic Anthony Walsh updates us on the latest out of HISD.

Also this hour: Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Friday due to a number of wildfires burning in Texas. With continued hot and dry conditions and burn bans taking effect, we consider how much of a concern are they here in Greater Houston.

Then, Meg Tapp of The Garden Club of Houston answers your questions.

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

On Friday's show: We learn how Amtrak is exploring a partnership with Texas Central to advance a proposed high-speed railway between Houston and Dallas, a decade-long vision to operate a bullet train between the state's two largest cities, which appeared to have stalled and is potentially moving forward again.

Also this hour: Amid Artemis, the Webb telescope, and the recently announced NASA+ streaming service, has the space agency – and by extension, Space City – gotten its mojo back? We discuss with space industry analyst Laura Forczyk.

Then, from Travis Scott's planned concert in Houston, to a baseball announcer removed from the booth for stating mere facts, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

And Dr. Sayed Tabatabai, a San Antonio kidney specialist whose writing went viral on Twitter during the pandemic, tells us about the experience and his book about it, These Vital Signs. He has a book signing event on Saturday at Brazos Bookstore.

On Thursday's show: We learn about the mixed reactions to the news that Travis Scott plans to perform in Houston this fall for the first time since the fatal disaster at his Astroworld music festival.

Also this hour: While we could sure use more storm clouds these days, clear nights do offer a good chance to check out astronomical events like the Perseid Meteor Shower this weekend. We discuss that and other cool things about space with local astronomer Dr. Carolyn Sumners from the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Then, we learn why Houstonian Amy Weinland Daughters decided to pen hand-written letters to all 580 of her Facebook friends -- and how they reacted. She's written a book about the experience called Dear Dana.

And Spider-Man first debuted on this date in 1962. More than 60 years later, comic book adaptations on film and TV are huge business. We revisit a 2018 conversation with Richard Evans of Bedrock City Comic Co. and film critic Joe Leydon about comics' interactions with mainstream culture and whether we've hit a so-called "superhero fatigue" in our entertainment yet.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the politics surrounding Harris County Judge Hidalgo’s leave of absence and other developments in local, state, and national politics in our weekly roundup.

Also this hour: We talk with guitarist Andy Summers of The Police. He’s not just a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he’s also a well-respected photographer and a fascinating guy. He performs at The Heights Theater on Friday night.

And Spanish Harlem Orchestra, a three-time Grammy Award-winning Salsa and Latin jazz band, performs Aug. 17 as part of the Houston SUMMERJAZZ 2023 series.