Houston Matters is a radio program airing weekdays at 9 am on Houston Public Media News 88.7 FM in Houston. During each hour, we’ll investigate the issues and ideas, people and places that make Houston…well…Houston! We’ll talk about current events, politics, education, health care, the environment, business, transportation, arts and culture, literature, sports and leisure. But we also hope that what we do each day on Houston Matters serves as the beginning of a conversation — one we hope you’ll continue here, at home, at work, with family, with friends and neighbors. We hope to introduce Houstonians to one another, to celebrate our diversity, and to engage one another through stories and conversations that demonstrate depth and context. Just the sort of thing you count on from public media.
On Wednesday's show: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joins us to talk about issues facing the county, from budget issues to questions about whether she'll run for re-election. Also this hour: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And a historian explains why we could have ended up celebrating independence from England on July 2 instead of July 4.
On Tuesday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld an historic penalty against ExxonMobil for pollution at its Baytown oil refinery. We hear from the group behind the long-running lawsuit on behalf of those who lived near the plant. Also this hour: In April, Houston police called ICE agents on a woman who'd dialed 911 to report domestic abuse. We learn the details of that case and discuss the effect it might have on people's willingness to report crime. Then, the Chris Larkin ALS Act is now la...
On Monday's show: The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest term ended Friday . We recap the session and discuss what the rulings might mean for Texas and Houston with the help of law professor Charles “Rocky” Rhodes. Also this hour: On this date in 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Bowers v. Hardwick , saying states could criminalize gay sex between consenting adults. In 2003, the decision in Lawrence v. Texas overturned that. We revisit a 2023 conversation with Mitchell Katine , the loca...
On Friday's show: Thousands are expected to gather in downtown Saturday for the annual Houston Pride parade and festival. However, representatives of Pride Houston 365 , the nonprofit organization that has held the event for nearly 50 years, says they've lost about 20 sponsors this year accounting for more than $180,000 in funding because diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have been banned at both the state and federal level, and the LGBTQ+ community has come under attack by political con...
On Thursday's show: Three Harris County Jail inmates died during a recent 48-hour span, marking a total of ten in-custody deaths reported in Harris County so far this year. We learn about their cases. Also this hour: We examine whether any progress has been made in addressing the doctor shortage across the nation and in Texas. Then, visual artist Andrew Thomas Huang talks about his craft, which includes sculpture and directing both short films and music videos. He's coming to Houston this weeken...
On Wednesday's show: President Trump held a press conference this morning to reiterate his assessment that U.S. strikes on Iran heavily damaged that country's nuclear program. While coverage of his remarks pre-empted most of Houston Matters today, our political analysts responded to what they heard and weighed in on other developments in the news in an abbreviated edition of the show....
On Tuesday's show: After Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the proposed ban on THC passed by the legislature, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a press conference Monday to discuss the move, which killed one of his top legislative priorities from the session. In issuing his eleventh-hour veto, the governor called the THC bill "well-intentioned" and said the hemp market needs to be regulated immediately. That's why he's calling lawmakers back to Austin for a special session . We learn more about this rare split be...
On Monday's show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher outlines why she thinks U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were unconstitutional. And a local energy watcher explains what it could mean for gas prices and Houston’s oil and gas industry. Also this hour: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed numerous bills yesterday, including a ban on THC products . And he called for a special session. Blaise Gainey from the Texas Newsroom provides details. Then, a Houston factory may soon use robots to...
On Friday's show: After last May’s derecho and then Hurricane Beryl in July, it seemed reasonable to expect some disaster aid from the federal government. So, why has the way the city spends these particular funds been controversial? Also this hour: Saturday is Make Music Day here in Houston and in more 2,000 cities worldwide . In anticipation, we talk with some folks behind some performances around the city, including a free concert from Dacamera at the Menil Collection inspired by the works of...
On Thursday's show: We celebrate Juneteenth with a number of stories, including how the chair of Juneteenth Houston first learned about the holiday — and how that discovery sparked a deeper mission: a multi-year archival project to preserve the rich history of Juneteenth celebrations in the city. We also learn how the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is honoring the role Buffalo Soldiers played in Juneteenth — and why this moment matters more than ever. Then, we revisit a conversation about a do...
On Wednesday's show: From tensions in the Middle East to the ramifications of widescale protests across the U.S., we discuss the latest developments in the news in our weekly political roundup. Also this hour: A glimpse into Houston's tattoo culture. Then, we discuss the legacy of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
On Tuesday's show: The Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research has released its State of Housing report for 2025, looking at how climate change and resilience impact local residents. We learn about the report and its implications. Also this hour: Actor Alan Tudyk talks about his love of fans as he prepares to meet some at this weekend's Comicpalooza . And we discuss the role megachurches play in a city like Houston....
On Monday's show: We learn about an influx of gas power plants that could arise in Texas to meet energy demands for AI. Also this hour: While Patton Oswalt is known for his comedy and acting, he has always been a fan of comic books and creates his own, including a series called Minor Threats . Ahead of his appearance at Comicpalooza this weekend, we learn why he wanted to focus on the lesser villains of the superhero world for that series. Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller talks about how to tr...
On Friday's show: There are numerous protests against President Donald Trump's policies planned across the country this weekend, including here in Greater Houston. A local Congressman offered more federal help to deal with potential riots in Houston, but local leaders expressed doubt about whether that would be needed here. But could scenes like we saw in Los Angeles of protestors clashing with police in riot gear against the backdrop of burned cars happen here? We consider Houston's history of ...
On Thursday's show: We look at some the challenges facing immigrants and what rights they should be aware of amid increased scrutiny from the federal government. Also this hour: A bill to create a strategic bitcoin reserve for Texas passed during the legislative session and awaits the governor's signature. Should it become law, what purpose will it serve? How would it differ from one created by President Donald Trump ? And what are the economic and energy-related pros and cons? Then, we discuss ...
On Wednesday's show: From ongoing protests over immigration policy, to some area Congressional races taking shape, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: We remember the Galveston Movement, when 10,000 Russian Jews set sail -- not for New York but bound for Texas. Rachel Cockerell talks about her great-grandfather's role in that movement and her book, Melting Point . And former Houston poet laureate Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and Houston Grand Opera co...
On Tuesday's show: We look at the forecast for rain the rest of the week and discuss the probability of another early-season hurricane this year, like Hurricane Beryl last season, with Justin Ballard , meteorologist with the Houston Chronicle. Also this hour: There seems to be an awful lot of misunderstanding and perhaps even misuse of the First Amendment these days. We discuss how the rights to speech, religion, press, and assembly are viewed legally when that is at odds with what is happening ...
On Monday's show: In recent days, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued rulings on cases involving employment discrimination against straight people, guns, and tax exemption for a Catholic Charity. We recap those rulings and talk about some other cases the court is expected to rule on soon. Also this hour: We visit the headquarters for Memorial Hermann Life Flight to learn how the air ambulance service has evolved over nearly 50 years serving Greater Houston Then, Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Ho...
On Friday's show: Saharan dust is headed to Houston, as it typically does this time of year. And much of the country could see the Northern Lights this weekend because of a powerful geomagnetic storm. We learn about both from Eric Berger of Space City Weather . Also this hour: From the head of FEMA saying he didn't know there was a hurricane season here, to the National Weather Service receiving permission to hire 125 meteorologists and specialists after losing more than 560 employees earlier th...
On Thursday's show: After an 8-hour meeting and extended disruption by protesters on Wednesday, Houston City Council approved a $7 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which starts in July. We learn details from reporter Dominic Anthony Walsh. Also this hour: Today is World Environment Day . As we contemplate the impact climate change continues to have on the Gulf Coast and coastal communities around the world, should we just stop rebuilding in flood-prone communities? We listen back to a di...
On Wednesday's show: From the end of the Texas Legislature , to ongoing budget discussions at the City of Houston, we discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: With Texas Monthly releasing its list of the state’s top barbecue spots , local food writers hone in on Houston and name some of their favorite places here in this month’s installment of The Full Menu . And we learn how history, gender, and faith intersect in Islamic art from the new executive dire...
On Tuesday's show: The 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature came to a close on Monday. We recap what passed, what didn’t, the status of legislation on the governor’s desk, and how it all might affect Texans. Also this hour: We visit a recent conference and expo for the robotics and autonomy industries held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Then, author Bryan Burrough talks about his new book, The Gunfighters , which details the history of legendary gunfighters from the Wild West...
On Monday's show: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has openly speculated about eliminating FEMA . Whether that happens or not, how would Greater Houston handle another hurricane -- or any other disaster -- if FEMA no longer existed or its role were changed? Also this hour: We offer Houstonians a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city. And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in sports....
On Friday's show: Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher joins us to talk about issues in Congress affecting our region and to take listener questions. Also this hour: From a recent study suggesting AI isn’t saving workers a ton of time on the job, to eight Houston-area barbecue restaurants making Texas Monthly's Top 50 list (after Yelp snubbed the city ), we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And Joshua Zinn chats with Bob Simpson , the retiring founder and artistic director of...
On Thursday's show: Another one bites the dust in the decimated Astros pitching rotation. This time it’s Ronel Blanco who’s out for the season and in need of elbow surgery. Is it past time to ask what the Astros are doing to their pitchers’ arms? Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast talks it over. Also this hour: The National Endowment for the Arts recently terminated grants to nonprofits nationwide, many of which had already been awarded. Houston arts organizations are among those who have...
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest news from the waning days of the Texas Legislature and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup. Also this hour: Real estate in much of Greater Houston has been a seller’s market for a very long time. Not so in Galveston lately. We talk over some recent trends in Galveston real estate with Marissa Luck of the Houston Chronicle and Kimberly Gaido , real estate agent with Sand ‘N Sea Properties in Galveston. And we talk with comedian and Wait ...
On Tuesday's show: The Texas Legislature was busy this weekend, passing bills in what is now the final week of the regular legislative session. Reporter Andrew Schneider walks us through developments in Austin over the last 72 hours. Also this hour: The current session of the Texas Legislature is nearly finished. State lawmakers only meet for 140 days every two years. Is that really enough time to administer state law, and could that ever change? Then, we revisit a question we asked you last yea...
On Friday's show: This coming Sunday will mark five years since the murder of George Floyd sparked demonstrations, calls for a racial reckoning in the United States, and continued demands for police reform. We reflect on the life of the Houston native and what his death brought about -- and what activists believe still needs to be done. Also this hour: The International Space Station is already facing a $1 billion budget shortfall , and the Trump administration plans to cut even more. We learn h...
On Thursday's show: Budget season continues here in Houston. The City Council is contemplating spending $7 billion next fiscal year -- $3 billion of it from coming from the city’s general fund. Council has about a month left to approve a budget, but a key part of it was just locked in, as council members approved a new contract agreement with the union representing Houston police officers. News 88.7’s Dominic Anthony Walsh joins us with details. Also this hour: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo j...
On Wednesday's show: It’s crunch time for lawmakers at the State Capitol, and Presidential politics reigns, as always, in Washington. And that’s just some of what we’ll walk through -- and seek context and clarity about -- in our weekly political roundup. Also this hour: A mental health professional discusses how to help teens and children dealing with anxiety, depression, and other challenges. And prices are high these day -- and so is the temperature. We get some suggestions on some low-cost o...
