Houston Matters

On Thursday's show: We learn about a controversial plan to sever an artery connecting the East End to downtown Houston. A recent study said the project to close part of Polk Street to expand the George R. Brown Convention Center would have "no adverse impact." Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh outlines what the report had to say and why some community members take issue with it. Also this hour: Sleep — there's never enough of it, it seems. Or, too often, there's something affecting the quality of our sleep or preventing it altogether. That's where sleep expert Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula comes in. She answers listener questions about sleep and sleep disorders. And this month’s edition of The Bigger Picture takes a closer look at the new movie, F1, about a Formula One racecar driver who comes out of retirement, and we visit a local go-karting venue to get a taste of racing culture in Houston.

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 law and takes effect immediately. It allows some people under 65 to purchase Medicare supplement benefit plans. We talk with the Houstonian it's named for, Chris Larkin, about his journey with ALS and about the emotional moment in the legislature he credits with getting the bill passed. And we go on a walk through the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center in Memorial Park with writer Isobella Jade to learn how to connect with nature in the heart of the city -- and how doing just that helped her deal with a divorce after moving here to Houston, as she details in her book, Heart Trail.

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 local attorney for the plaintiffs in the Lawrence case who spoke with us on the 20th anniversary of that ruling. Then, recent incidents, such as the murder of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and the forcible removal of Sen. Alex Padilla from a press conference, might lead us to believe political vitriol and discord have reached unprecedented heights. But that's not necessarily true. Author Zaakir Tameez joins us to discuss his new biography of Charles Sumner, an abolitionist senator nearly beaten to death for opposing slavery and what it can tell us about our political climate today. And Jeff Balke joins us to assess the first half of the Astros' season.

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 conservatives. Also this hour: Recent standardized testing shows efforts to emphasize STEM-related learning is paying off, but is it at the expense of other subjects for which those same students seem to lag? We discuss the push and pull between STEM and literacy. Then, from a spot on Pasadena's City Council being decided by a coin toss, to Texas is developing its own test to license psychologists, we hammer out The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And we meet the cast and crew of Ensemble Theatre’s production of Tap Dance Kid, a musical about a 10-year-old child who dreams of becoming a tap dancer on Broadway.

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 weekend for a pair of events as a part of the series HTX Made from director and Houston native Li Lu. And he’s drawn everything from superheroes to demons, and now his work is headed to Hollywood. Houston comic artist Rod Thornton talks about breaking barriers, building worlds, and why representation on the page still matters.

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 between the governor, state lawmakers, and the lieutenant governor. Also this hour: Houston is a city of contrasts, where neighborhoods sometimes sit side by side yet remain worlds apart. That case can be made for East Houston and West Houston. How divided is our city, and who are the ones defining the east side? Then, we discuss the cause of and the fallout from long delays in recycling pickup around the city. And we learn about Lullabies and Chaos, an organization turning baby showers into lifelines for expectant mothers and fathers who are facing tough times.

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 create AI servers. What could go wrong? We discuss that story and the latest developments in consumer technology with columnist Dwight Silverman. And the Rockets are trading for star Kevin Durant. Does the move reflect a growing trend for teams making deep runs in the postseason? We discuss that and other developments in Houston sports.

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 artist Rene Magritte. Flutist Hunter O'Brien gives us a preview. Then, from Fort Bend County Judge KP George announcing he's running for a third term — but this time as a Republican -- to a mongoose that escaped from a wildlife park being safety captured after he turned up at a local pub, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, we explore the cultural impact of the movie Jaws 50 years after its release and offer a glimpse at what life was like along the coast in Galveston at the time.

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 documentary detailing the journey of a newly-emancipated man who sought out his family.

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 travel with your pets this summer. And Jeff Balke joins us to discuss how athletes' conduct off the field can affect their reputation.

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 protesting for some insight. Also this hour: From law enforcement cracking down on people allegedly trying to sneak into the Astrodome, to delivery drones from Walmart headed Houston’s way, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. Then, restaurant owner Courtney Lindsay only learned the identity of his biological father a year ago. Now, a new documentary tells the story of finding his father and forming a relationship. Ahead of this Father’s Day weekend, we talk to them both. A screening of the documentary, Finding Ben: A Father & Son’s Discovery, takes place on Sunday, June 15, at 3 p.m. at the DeLuxe Theater. And, ahead of a zydeco show this weekend as a part of the series Eldorado Ballroom Houston curated by Solange Knowles, we reflect on Houston’s role in the birth of that music genre.

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 the rules that govern tow trucks on Houston roads and highways. And we visit the KimoKawaii Anime Experience & Convention that took place June 7-8 in Conroe to meet some anime enthusiasts and learn about the viability and challenges of running smaller conventions.

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 composer-in-residence Joel Thompson have collaborated on a new song cycle being performed June 17. We preview the premiere performance of the work, A Voice Within.

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 around the country -- and what it all means for us here in Houston. Then, is advocating for equitable transportation in Houston getting harder to do? We ask Robin Holzer, the new head of LINK Houston. And we explore the concept of developing more events and venues in Houston that help Houstonians get in touch with their feminine side.

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 Houston answers listeners' gardening questions. And the automatic ball strike system will indeed come to Major League Baseball next season. What might it mean for Houston Astros hitters, pitchers, and catchers? We discuss with Bleav in Astros podcast co-host Jeff Balke.

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 this year due to Trump administration cuts and retirements, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. Then: Wolverine, Spider-Man, Batman, Black Panther -- a lot of popular superheroes are based on animals. But why? Maybe it's because a lot of animals kind of have superpowers. A new exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science called Extreme Animals Alive explores that. And what makes certain Houston eateries and music venues unforgettable, even after they disappear? We reflect on some of the city's lost iconic spots.